My son has a 2003 Dodge Stratus with a blown head gasket. The car has 97,000 miles and tn the last six months we have replaced the timing belt, radiator, water pump, belt, hoses and now the head gasket will add another $1000. If we fix it we will have more money in the car than it's worth and if we don't it's like we wasted the last $1500. We are leaning towards fixing it because it's still cheaper than a car payment. Just curious what the forum members would do, drop another grand or move on.

 

What's the car worth now and what are you prepared to spend for another? How are the brakes, shocks, & exhaust? Is it a standard transmission and could you also be looking at a clutch in the future? How is the body holding up? What will you get for a trade? When the cost of a repair is more than the car is worth it's usually time to say goodbye, but if you buy another cheap one you can start right back in with water pumps, timing belts, etc. Do some serious homework before you make up your mind.

 

My thoughts exactly. Unless you are going to buy brand new, you are just gong to inherit the problems that caused a previous owner to get rid of it. You at least know the "quirks" of the Stratus and maybe another $1000 will get you another year or 10 years out of the car - no one can say for sure - but even if you only get a year out of the car after this repair - it's still only $83 per month ... WAY less than a loan payment.

Good luck!!

RL